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THE ASHES: England Romp to a Day Off

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England thrashed Australia by 347 runs to win the second Ashes Test and take a 2-0 lead, meaning they are one win away from winning the 20...

England thrashed Australia by 347 runs to win the second Ashes Test and take a 2-0 lead, meaning they are one win away from winning the 2013 Ashes.

Graeme Swann's 9th of the match sparked celebrations. (via Tribune)

Joe Root started the morning with the hope of scoring a double ton after becoming the youngest England player to score an Ashes century at Lord's on Saturday. Those hopes were soon faded as he was caught on 180 by Steve Smith which prompted skipper Alastair Cook to declare with England leading by 582, Australia needing a mammoth total of 583 to win in the best part of 2 days.

Australia simply could not meet the standards and found themselves three down for just 36. Michael Clarke and Khawaja provided some much needed stability before skipper Clarke fell to Joe Root on 51. Khawaja then fell one run and 16 balls later again to the off-spinner. Any late improvement came from James Pattinson who was trapped by Graeme Swann, who took figures of 4-78.

Khawaja and Clarke were mature in the fourth innings.

The result means that the Aussies, once best in the world, have fast become the declining team in international cricket and have lost their last six Test matches. England however, have become the golden boys in this era of cricket, in Test cricket and also in ODI's and t20. They will be hoping to wrap up the little red urn on next Thursday at Old Trafford.

Will England keep it going? Is a whitewash on the cards? Stay tuned with TSM during The Ashes for coverage.